WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A Columbia County man faces charges for impersonating a Homeland Security officer.
Officers observed a vehicle with tinted windows, an antenna, a police interceptor logo, emergency lights, sirens, and a decal labeled "US Department of Homeland Security, CERT instructor."
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They conducted a traffic stop and found the driver of the vehicle to be 45-year-old Shawn Smith of Bloomsburg. Upon questioning, Smith admitted the vehicle was personally owned and not associated with any official agency. He claimed the sirens were authorized by his employer.
When officers asked Smith for government credentials indicating that he was associated with Homeland Security, Smith told police that he did not have any and referred to himself as a civilian private contractor.
Officers issued Smith two traffic violations during the stop. Smith requested a continuance for the summary trial, saying he would be unavailable for court due to obligations with the office of Homeland Security.
A follow-up by police with Homeland Security indicated Smith was in no way affiliated with the department.
Smith faces charges for impersonating a public servant.
